A ROW is brewing between Salford and Blackpool council bosses over who should be allowed to build a new super casino.

Steve Weaver, chief executive of Blackpool Council, has openly condemned plans to build casinos in urban areas like Salford where he says they could lead to an epidemic of gambling addiction.

Mr Weaver insists the seaside town, where tourists would visit to gamble before returning home, would be a safer option and should be the only area in the north west allowed to build a super casino in a bid to create 20,000 new jobs.

Speaking on behalf of Blackpool Council, he said: "We absolutely believe there needs to be a limited number of locations, what we call destination gambling. It's critical it is a destination experience.

"In Blackpool, 90 to 95 per cent of people will come for a day or two then go away again.

"If they are in urban centres 40 to 50 per cent of people will be using them 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

"For people coming and going, again the chances of any problems are a lot less than if casinos where on people's doorsteps."

Mr Weaver's comments prompted a backlash from Salford Council leader John Merry.

He said: "Those are extremely patronising comments. The casino being planned in Salford is part of a hotel and stadium complex.

"It's just as likely that people gambling in Salford would be businessmen staying at that hotel than people addicted to gambling."

Blackpool has pinned its hopes of kick starting the struggling seaside resort's economy on bringing big money gambling to the Golden Mile.

They predict that the move could create up to 20,000 jobs over the next 12 years.

However, in Salford the income generated by a casino would provide crucial funding for plans to build a new 20,000-seater rugby stadium at a Barton site just off the M60 motorway.

Property magnates Peel Holdings and Red City Developments - the company set up by the club to build the stadium - earlier this year had each submitted rival bids to build the stadium.

However, after the two parties recently struck a deal, it is hoped city planning bosses will green light the proposal next month or early in the new year before it goes before Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to be rubber stamped.

John Merry added: "I understand Blackpool would like a casino for regeneration reasons but at the same time, having a casino is vital for our plan to build a new stadium, which will be an important asset to the city and help secure Salford Reds' Super League status.

"I think there are dangers on just depending on casinos to bring jobs in - it's something I wouldn't do."